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Lamproise

Lapsana communis · Asteraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant lamproise: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
June to September, yellow flowers
Adult size
30 to 80 cm tall
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -15°C)
Origin
Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa
Soil type
Light, well-drained, tolerates poor soils

Care

Watering

Common nipplewort tolerates drought well once established and prefers moderate watering. During active growth, keep the soil lightly moist without excess water. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.

Light exposure

This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it grows well in varied conditions and adapts nicely even in partially shaded areas, making it an excellent plant for natural gardens.

Soil

Common nipplewort is undemanding and thrives in ordinary soil, even poor or chalky. Well-drained soil is preferred to prevent root rot in case of prolonged excess water.

Pruning and maintenance

Prune lightly after flowering to encourage denser branching and extend the flowering period. You can also remove spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding. This plant generally requires little maintenance.

Fertilizer

No fertilizer is necessary; common nipplewort grows on poor soils. Excess nitrogen would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.

Diseases and pests

This herbaceous plant is generally very robust and rarely susceptible to disease. You may occasionally observe some aphids, which can be treated with a water spray or gentle biological methods.

Did you know?

Common nipplewort was once eaten as a wild salad in Europe and Asia because of its tender young leaves, earning it the popular nickname of "wild lettuce." Its scientific name Lapsana comes from ancient Greek and would mean "that heals lust," reflecting a long tradition of use in traditional herbalism, though these properties remain to be confirmed.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.